Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1887-03-26
CARDINAL GIBBONS, TITULAR
CHURCH.
He Takes Formal Possession and Ne.
Hvers a Notable Grafton On America.

Cardinal Gibbons yesterday took possession OF
his ttular church OF Santa Maria In Trastevere In
Rome, with imposing ceremonies. He was ar.
rayed In the splendid robes OF a cardinal-wear1ng
a white fur cape, crimson silk mantle and long
train. When he reached the door OF the church
he knelt upon cushion placed there on a strip OF
carpet. The canons belonging 10 the church and
the students OF the American College In Rome,
wearing surpIfces, were waiting for the arch
bishop. student Stickr, OF Cincinnati was cross
bearer, and the acolyteS carrying candles, were
cinnaJi. Bishops keane, OF Richmond, Va, and
WaterSon, OF columbus, Ohio, were with the
canons waiting. Student Reardon, OF Baltimore,
bore the crucinx. Cardinal Gibbons was accom-
panied by Bishop Ireland, OF st. Paul
After he took formal possession or the church,
the cardinal seated on his throne, delivered long
address. In this he said "the church committed
herself TO no power OF civil government. She
adapts herself 10 all. She has lived under abso-
Lutte empires, under constitutional monarchies.
and I'm free republics, and everywhere she grows
and expands. But In the general atmosphere OF
liberty she blossoms Ike the rose. For myself, as
a citizen OF the United States and without closing
my eyes TO our shortcomings as a nation, say,
with a deep sense or pride and gratitude. that
belong 10 a country where the civil government
holds over us the aegis OF its protection without
interfering with us In the legitimate exercise OF
our sublime mission as ministers OF the Gospel OF
Christ. Our country has liberty without license,
and authority without deSpotism. Her harborS
are open TO welcome the honest emigrant who
comes TO advance his temporal interests and find
peaceful home. But while we are Acknowledged
10 have free government, perhaps we do not re-
ceiye the credit that belongs TO us for having
also strong government. Yes, our nation u
strong, and her strength lies, under the overruing
guidance or Providence, In the majesty and SUI
premacy OF the law In the loyalty or her citizens
and In the affection VI her people for her tree in
stituions.
"There are, indeed, grave social problems now
engaging the earnest attention OF the citizens of
the United states, but have no doubt that with
Gods blessing these problems Will be solved by
the calm judgment and sound sense OF the Ameri-
can people without violence, revolution or any In
jury 10 individual rights.
As an evidence OF his good VIII for the great re-
ton OF the venerable hierarchy OF the United
States, and as an expression Of his kind considers.
t1on for the ancient see OF Baltimore, our holy
father has been graciously pleased 10 elevate It's
present incumbent, In my humble person, 10 The
dignity or the purple. For this mark OF his ex-
allied favor beg 10 tender 10 the holy Iatner my
profound thanks, In my own name ana In tne
name OF the clergy and faithful Il venture 70
thank him also I'm the name OF my venerable col.
leagues, the bishops, as wen as tne clergy
and Catholic laity OF the United states.
arated brethren In America, who, though not
sharing our faith, have shown that they are noe
insensibie- Indeed, that they are deeply sens1ole-
OF the honor conferred upon our common country
and have again and again expressed their warm
Admiration for the enlightened craftsmanship and
aDosfoIic virtues and benevolent character OF the
illustr1ous ponttn who now SITS IN the chair OF 81
Peter"
its conclusion the cardinal held q reception. Many
AAsaoa Aoo1Ae ~"